Quercus faginea Lam. s.l. in North Africa, an ongoing taxonomic challenge

Presentation given at the XX International Botanical Conference, Madrid, Spain, July 21–27, 2024.

Author:

Aissi Abdeldjalil

Affiliations:

LAPAPEZA, department of agricultural sciences, ISVSA, university of Batna 1, Algeria

Abstract:

The genus Quercus is known for its taxonomic complexity and it has long been associated with great controversy. The number of taxa is still debated among botanists despite systematists’ attempts to clarify and simplify it. The Quercus faginea s.l. complex represents one of the most conclusive and complex examples found in the North-Western Mediterranean and North Africa. Nevertheless, the systematics of this complex have undergone a remarkable evolution from the first Lamarckian taxa Q. lusitanica and Q. faginea to the present day, especially in the Iberian Peninsula, Tunisia, and Algeria, by virtue of the recognized taxa. Thus, to reevaluate and update the nomenclatural and taxonomic status of Q. faginea complex, 23 morphological traits and 13 Algerian stands were analyzed, as well as the available Moroccan morphological data and corresponding bibliography, to objectively analyze and compare Moroccan taxa with those found in other regions. Three taxa were identified in Algeria: Q. canariensis, Q. faginea subsp. faginea and Q. faginea subsp. broteroi (Cout.) A.Camus. Although the taxonomic situation in Morocco remains unresolved, the analysis noted the possible presence of the faginea variety in Morocco (despite the tendency towards the taxon in terms of leaf size), while also anticipating the confirmation of a new morphological analysis that accounts for the stable criteria—i.e., toothed margin—used for an infraspecific distinction. The rest of Morocco’s stands seem to be represented by Q. canariensis and Q. faginea subsp. broteroi. Considering the uncertain existence of maroccana, further study of its distinct morphological and biogeographical peculiarity is required.